"Very likely," the strange-looking individual replied. "My conduct is at variance with the world's. I never seek to harm any one, and all my time is devoted to forwarding the interests of others."
Men with a grievance are plentiful enough, but a person whose sole object in life is to diffuse happiness is rather uncommon. In this age of iron such good-natured persons are looked upon with a suspicion of lunacy.
"Very commendable," I said; "but I am still in the dark as to how you attain such desirable ends."
"Of course you are, my worthy friend; but I hope to enlighten you. Answer me one question; are you single—a bachelor?"
"I am, and in no hurry to call any woman my wife."
"A misogamist," he muttered to himself; and then aloud, "I am glad you are single, because you will have occasion to rejoice that you met me—that you came to my assistance. You have rendered me one great favour; will you do me another?"
"If it's in my power," I replied.
"There is my card; dine with me to-morrow at 7."
I consented, but it was with some hesitation. I let him go, and I asked myself whether it was not the correct thing to place a philanthropist of this kind under some restraint. There is a society in work to suppress promiscuous charity, and for aught I know there may be an institution founded for the express purpose of shutting up universal benefactors.